Online Associate’s Degrees

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Browse by Associate Degree Subject

You can earn your associate degree in a wide variety of disciplines. Click on the area of study you’re interested in to jump to that section.

• Accounting
• Animation
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Fire Science
• Graphic Design
• Healthcare Management
• Homeland Security
• Hospitality Management
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Marketing
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Coding
• Medical Office Administration
• Network Administration
• Paralegal
• Retail and Sales Management

Associate degrees in these fields are in demand and offer rewarding job opportunities.

Associate in Accounting

Do you have a knack for math and numbers? If so, you could do well in an accounting career. It’s also important to be organized and detail-oriented in this job. If you have these qualifications, you could consider earning an Associate in Accounting.

This is a business program, so you can expect to take business classes during your studies, such as business law, management, and economics.

Your accounting-specific courses will cover topics like taxation, financial accounting, and payroll. You can also choose a specific type of accounting to focus on, such as tax preparation or forensic accounting.

An associate degree in accounting can prepare you for assistant or clerk positions. You could provide supportive services for a Certified Public Accountant, manage a company’s payroll, or keep track of accounts receivable.

Associate in Animation

Perhaps you’ve been watching animated movies since you were young and have always been fascinated by the magic of bringing still pictures to life. Do you want to begin creating some of that magic yourself? If so, you could start by earning an Associate in Animation.

Natural artistic ability and a willingness to improve your talents are helpful characteristics for someone interested in this field.

Animation coursework focuses heavily on artistic disciplines. Common courses include studies in art history and cultural stories as well. In classes like Drawing Fundamentals, you can practice your art skills.

After learning fundamentals, you’ll learn how to turn drawings into moving pictures, studying topics such as digital animation and video production.

After graduating, you can pursue entry-level careers in advertising, television, movies, or video games. You could become a junior animator or a technical assistant.

Associate in Business Administration

Business is an enormous field that boasts many different career paths. Whether you’re interested in finance, management, public relations, sales, or human resources, a business career may be for you. To get started, you can earn an Associate in Business Administration.

Studies for this degree provide a broad overview of business topics. You’ll likely study accounting, business law, global finance, marketing, taxation, leadership, and team dynamics.

You may also have opportunities to try out software programs and other technology tools that streamline productivity for business professionals.

With this degree, you can pursue a retail job, such as a store management position. If you’d prefer office work, you could become an administrative assistant or a help-desk support professional. Other career options include banking or sales positions.

Associate in Computer Science

If you spend a lot of time working with computers, an Associate in Computer Science program might interest you. Strong math, science, and problem-solving skills can help you succeed in this area.

One of the most important skills you can learn in a computer science program is how to use programming languages. For example, you may study C++ or Java. You’ll also learn how computer components, including hardware and software, work together.

Other important topics include cybersecurity, databases, algorithms, and networks. You may have opportunities for hands-on practice with programming tools.

With this degree, you could become a computer support specialist who helps others set up their computer systems or troubleshoot problems. You could also become a web developer or an IT coordinator.

Associate in Criminal Justice

Do you care deeply about keeping society safe for everyone? You can put that passion to work in the field of criminal justice. This degree program benefits those who want to work in law enforcement or court systems.

You’ll study criminology—why crimes occur and how they affect individuals and society. You’ll also explore components of criminal justice systems, including local police departments, correctional facilities, and courts.

With this degree, you could become a security, police, parole, or corrections officer. You could also pursue a job in the court system, like a bailiff or paralegal.

Associate in Education

If you’re good at working with young people, consider putting that skill into practice with a career in education. With an Associate in Education, you can play a role in helping kids or teens learn new things and prepare for their futures.

You’ll be introduced to learning theories and teaching methods. You’ll learn how to present materials in ways that are appropriate for a learner’s age and development. Additionally, you’ll study child development, psychology, classroom management, education law, and literacy and language skills.

An associate degree will allow you to pursue work as a preschool teacher, teacher’s aide, or daycare worker, but it won’t be sufficient to become a licensed K-12 teacher. You can use credits from a regionally accredited associate in education program to transfer into a bachelor’s in education program and earn your state teaching credentials.

Associate in Fire Science

Like many others, you may have dreamed of becoming a firefighter since you were a small child. In some municipalities, competition for firefighting jobs can be tough. You can set yourself apart from other candidates by getting an Associate in Fire Science.

As the name implies, fire science is a scientific discipline. You’ll study the ins and outs of fire, including combustion, heat release, chemistry, and the spread of flames.

You’ll also learn fire prevention, firefighter safety, and fire investigation techniques and the laws and ethics that should guide your work as a firefighter.

Most people who pursue this associate degree want to become firefighters or fire investigators. The skills you learn can also transfer to EMT work or other first-responder roles.

Associate in Graphic Design

Do you want to use your artistic skills to communicate important messages? An Associate in Graphic Design can help you learn to do this effectively. You can develop marketable skills that are applicable in many industries.

This is an artistic discipline, so it covers topics such as arranging colors and designs in visually appealing ways. You’ll also learn about different digital tools that can be used to create images, layouts, and animations.

Graphic designers use their work to persuade or influence others, so you may need to study human psychology, consumer behavior, marketing, and advertising. By the end of your program, you can have an impressive portfolio of your work compiled to show to potential employers.

An associate degree can help you get an entry-level job in graphic design, such as assistant to a senior designer. Going on to earn your bachelor’s degree can help you move into more advanced roles.

Associate in Healthcare Management

If you care about people’s health and want to do a behind-the-scenes job that supports doctors and nurses, consider a career in healthcare management.

Associate in Healthcare Management programs are similar to health services programs but include more classes specifically focused on the administrative side of healthcare.

You’ll study medical terminology, coding, billing, reimbursement, and patient confidentiality. You’ll also learn how to use databases and other records-management tools. Your coursework can equip you with human resources skills, like managing teams, overseeing employees, and resolving conflict.

After graduation, you can get started with an entry-level healthcare administration job. You could work the front desk of a medical office, coordinate billing services, or manage patient files.

Potential work settings include hospitals, doctor’s offices, dental offices, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and nursing homes.

Associate in Homeland Security

Do you care about your community and country? Help keep them safe and secure by pursuing a career in homeland security.

When you think about homeland security, the first thing that comes to mind may be protecting the country from outside threats, but this discipline also addresses issues in local communities.

Associate in Homeland Security programs cover criminal justice topics, such as the court system and law enforcement, and community preparation for natural disasters and other emergencies. Other studies in this field include information on terrorism and weapons use.

This degree can help you get a job in security or police work. You could also pursue employment in border patrol, immigration, or customs.

Associate in Hospitality Management

If you enjoy making others feel welcome and comfortable, you might consider a career in hospitality. In an Associate in Hospitality Management program, you can learn to create environments or offer services that appeal to guests and visitors.

You’ll learn what it takes to manage facilities so you can offer leadership and supervision to a team of employees. You’ll also study various laws and regulations of the hospitality industry.

You’ll likely take classes on purchasing and running food service and lodging establishments and marketing and advertising, which can be beneficial if you decide to run your own business.

Restaurant and hotel work are popular options for graduates. You could also work in tourism, entertainment, or guest relations.

Associate in Human Services

People going through hardships need the support of community resources and programs. You can help administer these programs when you pursue a career in human services.

In an Associate in Human Services program, you’ll learn how to address many of the struggles and crises that people commonly experience, including abuse and addiction.

You’ll learn how to provide effective and ethical support through programs, counseling, and case management and how to set healthy boundaries.

During your human services career, you’ll work with many different people, so you’ll likely study psychology, cultural diversity, and clear communication.

You may work one-on-one with people as a caseworker or a direct support professional. You could also be a liaison between clients and the service programs in your community.

Associate in Information Technology

Understanding IT is a marketable skill that can be applied in nearly any industry. If you’re interested in computers, databases, and networks, consider enrolling in an Associate in Information Technology program.

Common studies for this associate degree include network components and designs, including ways to protect network security, programming languages, and designing and evaluating simple programs.

Because IT is a business discipline, you can also expect to take basic business classes and learn about project management. You may need to take advanced math courses as well.

With this degree, you could become a web developer, network specialist, computer support representative, or company IT consultant.

Associate in Marketing

Do you feel you have a good handle on how people think and what motivates their behaviors? Those skills can give you an advantage in the world of marketing. This exciting field needs trained professionals, and earning an Associate in Marketing can give you that training.

Common courses in a marketing curriculum include Consumer Behavior, Introduction to Retail and Selling, and Public Speaking. These can help you learn to evaluate audiences and create messages that resonate with their needs and wants.

These skills are useful for brainstorming advertising strategies and public relations campaigns.

In this business-focused major, you’ll likely study business communication and law as well.

An associate degree can help you get entry-level jobs in marketing, such as being an assistant to a public relations manager or a market analyst. Managing a retail sales team is another job that you can pursue.

Associate in Medical Assisting

Doctors and nurses need strong teams of medical support professionals around them. Earning an Associate in Medical Assisting can allow you to learn how to perform basic services for the patients in your clinic.

Medical assisting is a hands-on career that will put you in contact with many people.

Your classes will introduce you to some of the fundamentals of medicine and the healthcare system. You can also expect courses on anatomy and medical terminology.

To learn how to operate within US healthcare systems, you’ll also study healthcare laws, insurance coding and reimbursement, and the use of patient record technology.

Clinical practicum hours are commonly required too.

After graduation, you can pursue medical assistant jobs in doctor’s offices, hospitals, dental offices, or other healthcare facilities. You could perform direct patient care or do office work.

Associate in Medical Coding

Are you interested in a flexible job that you can work around your schedule? An Associate in Medical Coding could be your ticket to this type of career. Many medical coders can even work from home.

You’ll learn how to do medical billing and coding and can also gain medical transcription skills.

You can also expect to take classes in human anatomy and physiology so that you’ll have a better understanding of the terms used in medical settings.

Additionally, medical coders use systems for entering, recording, and organizing medical data. Your coursework may prepare you to take a certification exam after graduation.

With this associate degree, you could get a job as a medical coder who works with inpatient or outpatient files. You could also become a records specialist who maintains medical databases.

Associate in Medical Office Administration

As a medical office administrator, you will often be the first person patients see when they arrive for a medical appointment. Your professional competence can help reassure them about the exam or procedure that they’re about to have.

Getting your Associate in Medical Office Administration can prepare you to take on a behind-the-scenes role in keeping a medical office running smoothly.

To earn this degree, you must become familiar with medical terminology, coding, billing, and insurance. You’ll also study the laws that govern patient privacy and need to become familiar with data-entry software systems.

Because you’ll be working on the business end of medical care, you’ll need to learn some basic finance and business communication skills too.

As a medical office administration professional, you could work in a physician’s or dental office, hospital, or another medical center. Common job titles include medical secretary, records technician, or medical receptionist.

Associate in Network Administration

If you’re a computer whiz who wants to make a living by working with tech, consider starting with an Associate in Network Administration. Not everyone has computer skills, so those who don’t depend on those who do to take care of their systems.

You can put the skills learned in this degree program to use in most industries.

Common courses for this degree include Introduction to Network Systems, Computer Hardware and Software, and Routing and Switching.

You’ll explore different types of networks, including those contained within a single office building and those that span the globe. You’ll likely have lab experiences required as part of your studies too.

You’ll learn how to answer questions and troubleshoot problems for computer users. With this degree, you could become a network support technician or manage an organization’s databases.

Associate in Paralegal

If you aren’t sure about setting your sights on law school but like the idea of working in a legal environment, you could consider becoming a paralegal. In this career, you can take on responsibilities like researching legal statutes, preparing reports, and organizing evidence files.

You’ll likely start your Associate in Paralegal program by learning the fundamentals of paralegal work and gaining a basic overview of the US legal system. You can then enroll in classes on conducting legal research and preparing legal reports.

You can also learn about the similarities and differences between civil and criminal law and get an overview of specific law disciplines, such as family law and contract law.

As a graduate of a paralegal program, you can use your degree to obtain work as a paralegal, a legal secretary, or a legal assistant. You might work in the office of a single attorney or be part of a larger law firm.

Associate in Retail and Sales Management

If you thrive in a store environment, you might consider becoming a retail manager or sales supervisor.

An Associate in Retail and Sales Management could be a good college path for you if you currently work on a store sales floor and want the skills to advance your position. Earning this degree can help you turn your entry-level job into a lifelong career.

Store managers have many responsibilities, so you’ll likely study marketing, procurement, inventory, and sales. Other likely studies include bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting to learn how to keep track of your store’s finances.

You’ll also be able to develop customer service and employee management skills.

This degree can help you get a promotion to store manager, district manager, or regional manager. You could also become a sales representative who manages customer accounts or open a store of your own.